Artists in the Auburn is the Grand Theatre's development program for London-based artists! Whether you are a professional artist, an emerging artist, a participant in community arts, or simply curious about getting started, this program is for you. The program was created to increase the Grand's efforts on connecting with established and emerging theatre artists living in London and the surrounding area.

NEW! Artists in the Auburn Membership

The Grand is excited to announce that Artists in the Auburn will be offering a free membership card, providing early access to programming PLUS exclusive access to an additional series of member events not available to the public. 

The Artists in the Auburn Membership is more than a card. It's an offer: to share resources, provide training, and support artists at every stage of their practice.

It's an invitation: to join us for open-access events, workshops, networking opportunities, and exclusive member benefits.

It's a promise: to serve our creative community and help develop local artistic talent.

It's your gateway: to all Artists in the Auburn programming at the Grand Theatre.

It's completely free to join.

SIGN UP NOW!

 Artists in the Auburn Membership Registration Form

As a member, you'll be the first to hear about the Grand’s upcoming workshops, writing and professional development opportunities, industry night, and special events designed to connect, support, and celebrate local artists. New opportunities will be announced throughout the season.

To access any programming in the Artists in the Auburn series, you must have a membership card. Once you sign up, a number will be emailed to you that you will need to input when registering for any programming. You will receive a complimentary physical Artists in the Auburn Card once attending your first event.

All events offered through the Artists in the Auburn membership program are subsidized by the Grand Theatre’s Community Outreach Program as part of the Grand Theatre Strategic Plan 2025-29. We are committed to supporting and developing artistic talent in London, Ontario, by connecting local artists with some of Canada’s most sought-after playwrights, actors, directors, and producers.

All programming through Artists in the Auburn is subsidized from 60% to 100% of the cost. For example, our workshops operate on a pay-what-you-can model, while equivalent programs can cost two or three times as much elsewhere.

If the cost of any event presents a barrier, please contact the Apprentice Artistic Director, Alexandra Rizkallah, at arizkallah [at] grandtheatre.com (arizkallah[at]grandtheatre[dot]com) to inquire about scholarship opportunities.

Meet Your Artists in the Auburn Facilitators

Rachel Peake, Grand Theatre Artistic Director, has a long history of new play development having worked as a dramaturge and director of new plays, musicals, and operas for over fifteen years. For five years, she led Solo Collective Theatre, a Vancouver-based company that at the time produced exclusively new Canadian work. She led new play initiatives at the Citadel Theatre from 2017 to 2020 and co-conceived the Citadel’s first Collider Festival of New Works. For Gros Morne Summer Music in Newfoundland, Rachel oversaw the creation of twelve new pieces over four years and she led the process of adapting Shane Koyczan’s novel Stickboy to a critically acclaimed opera for Vancouver Opera.

Alexandra Rizkallah, Grand Theatre 2026/27 Apprentice Artistic Director, is an award-winning Canadian-Lebanese director and dramaturge whose artistry spans Canada, England, Poland, and France. Working with companies and organizations including the Stratford Festival, Grand Theatre, National Theatre of England, Song of the Goat Theatre, and PLACE Network, Rizkallah has quickly established herself as a distinctive voice in the Canadian theatre landscape, bringing an international breadth to her practice. Her most recent work includes the highly acclaimed 2026 production of Othello at the Stratford festival and the hit Off-West End production of Daughter, for which she received a nomination for Best Director (Play) at the UK Fringe Theatre Awards. 

CASCADE Playwrights' Lab

Following a successful launch in 2024, the Grand Theatre is proud to announce the return of the CASCADE Playwrights' Lab and the introduction of the CASCADE Playwrights' Salon for the 2026/27 season.

This dynamic, season-long initiative invites London-area playwrights to deepen their practice, connect with fellow writers, and advance the development of new work. This season, the CASCADE Lab will focus on providing dedicated dramaturgical support for unproduced plays in development, helping writers move a new draft to its next stage of growth.

The CASCADE Playwrights' Lab will consist of in-person sessions led by Apprentice Artistic Director Alexandra Rizkallah and/or Artistic Director Rachel Peake. Sessions will include progress check-ins, script development support, and guided dramaturgical feedback tailored to each participant's project. The Lab will culminate in a public presentation of excerpts from participants' works-in-progress as part of a staged reading in March 2027.

Apply by October 18, 2026.

CASCADE Playwrights' Lab

CASCADE Playwrights' Salon

Looking for a place to write, share ideas, hear new work, or connect with other playwrights? The CASCADE Playwrights' Salon is a casual, drop-in gathering for playwrights and theatre-makers at all stages of their creative journey. Whether you're actively working on a script, looking for feedback, searching for inspiration, or simply interested in listening to new plays being developed, the Salon is a welcoming space to gather with fellow artists and engage in lively conversation about playwriting.

Hosted by Apprentice Artistic Director Alexandra Rizkallah, the CASCADE Playwrights' Salon creates opportunities for local writers to build community, exchange ideas, and support one another's artistic practice in an informal and low-pressure environment.

Participants are welcome to bring pages to share, discuss works-in-progress, explore creative challenges, or simply attend to listen and connect. There is no expectation to present material, and all levels of experience are encouraged to attend.

Cascade Playwrights' Salon

Member Events

Artists in the Auburn Member Events are free programs available exclusively to Artists in the Auburn Members, offering unique opportunities to connect with Grand Theatre artistic staff, guest artists, and 2026/27 Season productions.

All Member Events are included with your free Artists in the Auburn Membership. Registration may be required; space may be limited.

Industry Night

Join Artistic Director Rachel Peake, Apprentice Artistic Director Alexandra Rizkallah, Grand Theatre artistic staff, and guest artists for an evening of theatre and community.

Following the performance, members are invited to gather for a complimentary post-show networking event to connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and engage in conversations about theatre, art, and our local creative community.

Industry Night Performance: Somewhere (1st Preview)
When: Tuesday, February 23 at 7: 30 p.m.
Location: The Drewlo Lounge, The Grand Theatre. 471 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3E4.
 

SIGN UP NOW! 

Industry Night Registration Form

Open Dress Rehearsal

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before opening night?
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to observe the technical rehearsal process for Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 and experience firsthand how a Spriet Stage production comes together. From lighting and sound cues to final design adjustments, you'll gain a unique insider's perspective on the artistry and collaboration that bring a production to life.

Open Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, May 2, 2027

SIGN UP NOW! 

Open Dress Rehearsal Registration Form

AfterWORDS & Tea Talks Access 

Want to attend a post-show discussion but aren't seeing the performance that day? Artists in the Auburn members are welcome to attend any scheduled AfterWORDS or Tea Talks throughout the season, regardless of which performance they've purchased a ticket for. Join artists, staff, and fellow audience members for engaging conversations that offer deeper insights into the productions and the creative process behind them. 

AfterWORDS take place after the first three Wednesday evening performances of the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Series. 

Tea Talks is presented as a pre-show experience on the Spriet Stage, before the third Wednesday matinee of each Spriet Series production. 

No registration required. Upon arrival at the theatre, show staff your Artists in the Auburn membership number or physical card and they will guide you to the talk location. 

Visit each title on our website to explore the production’s AfterWORDS and Tea Talks dates, topics, and guests:

• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
• A Christmas Carol
• cicadas
• Somewhere
• Cyrano de Bergerac
• 9 to 5

The Grand SONG Slam

Following the tremendous success of the Grand Monologue Slam, the Grand Theatre is thrilled to introduce its first-ever Grand SONG Slam, taking place on Wednesday, January 13, 2027 on the Auburn Stage.

This exciting new event invites performers aged 16+ from London and the surrounding area to step into the spotlight, share their talent, and celebrate the art of musical storytelling. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned performer, the Grand SONG Slam offers an opportunity to perform, connect with fellow theatre-makers, and receive meaningful feedback in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Not interested in performing? Join us as an audience member! Showing up to support fellow artists is an essential part of the event, helping to foster a vibrant and encouraging creative community. $5 tickets for audiences will be available for purchase closer to the event.

Part performance showcase, part artistic development opportunity, the Grand SONG Slam celebrates the incredible talent in our region.

Workshops

Learn from some of Canada's most exciting and sought-after theatre artists and industry leaders. Throughout the season, Artists in the Auburn will offer a range of workshops designed to inspire, challenge, and support local artists in their creative practice.

From playwriting and performance to directing, producing, and professional development, these sessions will provide opportunities to build skills, collect tools, and connect with fellow artists.

Workshop announcements are coming soon.

Speaker Series 

Join us for a season of insightful conversations with some of Canada's leading theatre-makers, artists, and cultural innovators. Through curated talks and Q&A sessions, the Artists in the Auburn Speaker Series offers unique perspectives on artistic practice, creative leadership, and the stories behind the work.

Speaker announcements are coming soon.

The Auburn Stage

The Auburn is available for rentals for independent and community productions as well as workshops, lectures, and other gatherings. If you have an event that engages with art and community, we would love to have you in our theatre! Reach out for more information at rentals [at] grandtheatre.com (rentals[at]grandtheatre[dot]com).